A huge underclass of ghost workers are making your shirts in their homes

Most homeworkers aren’t in unions, and the reality is that, for them to be recognized, protected, and paid better, it’s going to take efforts from everyone involved, including governments, brands, and manufacturers.

One consequence of a globally distributed supply chain built on layers and layers of contractors is that we can lose sight of the people at the other end of it. Small details such as the buttons and beads on our clothing are reminders that they exist. It’s worth taking a moment to notice them, and to reflect on the price we implicitly put on their time and effort.